Ziigwan: A Time of Renewed Commitments
Ziigwan (Zee-gwun), meaning “spring” in Anishinaabemowin, marks the beginning of a new year for many Indigenous communities of Turtle Island, north of the hemisphere. It’s a season when all life experiences significant transformation and renewal. Therefore, it feels particularly fitting to honour Nibi (Water), the essential being for all life, and Aki (Earth), the being that nurtures and shelters all life, during this time (March 22 to April 22).
I find myself grappling with many thoughts that occupy my mind, struggling to untangle the threads to create a web that connects the dots in a comprehensible manner. In moments like these, I truly appreciate the skill of artists who can seamlessly weave concepts to tell a story.
In 2020, the onset of our shared isolation, I came across Anna Heffernan painting, Shkakimikwe (Mother Earth or Earth Woman). This painting tells a very important story of the relationships between Earth, humans, water, non-human kin, and our interconnected well-being. Now, Shkakimikwe is in my care, reminding me— then and now— that we are never truly alone.
Photo Credits:
Anna Heffernan - Shkimikwe (Mother Earth or Earth Woman)
I’ve come to learn from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and leaders that healthy relationships have defined roles, which also come with responsibilities. As humans, we share the role of stewardship: to care for all our relations. Caretaking is reciprocal, just like how Indigenous knowledge cares for the beings that care for us.
The violence being inflicted on Maamaa Aki is currently being pushed by colonial leaders and is deeply connected to the violence faced by Indigenous Peoples. Our relationship to the land defends who we are and why it’s important to take care of Mother Earth. This is why the Indigenous Peoples advocacy, resistance, and innovations rooted in ancestral wisdom live in harmony — to care for the land and waters. These are acts of self-care, healing, and justice.
And we’re making it happen! Our communities are actively engaged in real-time effective and scalable Indigenous-led climate solutions. For example, our friends at Sacred Earth Solar, Revitalizing Our Sustenance, and the many Sovereignty in Action Awardees and others showcase how Indigenous Peoples are actively embodying our traditions and creating a better future for the next seven generations.
Together, we are building a movement that honours the land, the water, and the wisdom of our ancestors — now, we invite you to stand with us in this collective effort.
Join Us in Making an Impact
From World Water Day to Earth Day, we are launching a month-long campaign to defend our waters—stand with us in solidarity to protect what is sacred.
Donate Today: Your contribution directly funds Indigenous-led climate justice initiatives. Every dollar is an act of solidarity – a commitment to protecting what is sacred.
Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your networks. Raise awareness about the urgent need to protect our waters.
Stay Engaged: Follow Indigenous-led organizations and activists. Support policies that protect water and Indigenous land rights.
From World Water Day to Earth Day, let’s do more than acknowledge the problem: let’s act. Together, we can ensure that resources flow where they are needed most, empowering Indigenous leadership and community-led solutions.
Shout out to all supporters! Every dollar you donate directly funds Indigenous-led initiatives, and Patagonia is matching donations for this campaign. The more we give, the closer we get to reaching our goal! Let’s do this!
Join us. Take a stand. Donate today. When we protect the waters, we protect our future.
About the Author
Courtney Wynne (They/She) identifies as an Afro-Indigenous (Anishinaabe, Moose Cree and Ethiopian) queer female. They grew up on the shores of Gichigami (Lake Superior), and registered with Chapleau Cree First Nation. Courtney and her family have felt the significant negative impacts of colonialism and she became a crown ward at a young age. Courtney’s healing is intrinsic to finding connection and safety with Maamaa Aki (Mother Earth), Nookomis Giizis (Grandmother Moon), nibi (water), her fur child Mino-kwe (Good Girl) and many other Kin that have held her tenderly. Courtney supports ICA as the Development Coordinator.
